We're Struttin' Our Stuff

The 100 FASTEST GROWING COMPANIES
with or thanks and credit to Michael Bowker, Managing Editor
Hispanic Business Magazine


We're proud to share with you an article which recently apeared in this prestigious magaine. First in Serice Group is the rmbrella conpany which shares its office, creativiy anfd personnel andis currently in the process of re-desgning Kennedy and tapping into the agency's 35 years of experiencing selling travel to the gay and lesbian traveler. THe article follows:


"Success Begins wth an Attitude"

Nowhere is that old adage more evident than in the culture and language of the CEO's we interviewed. While each developed new strategies and best practices that are working in their respective industries, their attitudes towards their work and the general economy were strikingly similar. If there is one universal element of success, it is this overriding attitudeof seeing growth opportunities where others see roadblocks.


Fernando Gonzalez, CEO and co-founder with his sister, Erika of the New York-based First in Service Travel Ltd. is a perfect example. When the bottom fell out of the travel industry a few years ago, many travel agencies went out of business.''Those that survived are now facing more challenges in higher fuel costs. But Mr. Gonzalez not only refused to let his company die., he is steering an innovative course that is proving highly successful.



"Most companies are hurting because travel is down and fuel costs are up", said Mr. Gonzalez. "But, I don't see the current poor economics as a disadvantage. I see them as opening doors for us. When everyone else is retreating, that's our to move forward and capture the market. 2008 is going to be an incredible year, by far, our very best."

Rather than expanding traditional travel itineraries , Mr. Gonzalez added customized services. For example, for the fashion industry, a large client, Mr. Gonzalez developed turnkey services. "We now offer them everything including including scouting photographic site locations", he said "If they want pink sand or palm trees thrown in, we arrange it. We set up a division in the company that does nothing but cater to that industry. In tough times it is critical to think creatively." In the past five years, the firms revenues have jumped from $1.5 million to $15 million.